The original item was published from March 26, 2020 4:02 PM to January 8, 2021 9:28 AM
In Cranberry Township, people care deeply about each other.
Initiatives like the Cranberry CUP (Cranberry Uniting People), the Cranberry Township Community Chest and dozens more showcase residents coming together to help each other in times of need.
We are in a time unlike any other we have experienced in our lifetime that is challenging all of us.
While there is uncertainty and fear, there is also an opportunity to focus on that common theme: Cranberry Uniting People.
The COVID-19 pandemic is the time to strengthen that resolve of pulling together to help each other. We are blessed to be served by world class health systems staffed with dedicated health professionals, many of whom are our family members and neighbors. We are fortunate to have very dedicated volunteers and staff ready to respond to any fire, police or emergency medical issues, under all circumstances. Your local government employees are working diligently to keep those important public services available to each and every home, such as sanitary sewer, water and solid waste disposal.
In the private sector, companies like MSA are stepping up in a time of need. They’re providing more than 65,000 respirators to local healthcare facilities. They’re giving back to the community that has sustained them for decades.
One of the ways we as a Township are strengthening that core value is working with the volunteers that have offered to assist our neighbors in meeting non-emergency concerns. Accordingly, we have formed a Community Response Team to help address those unforeseen challenges we may face as a community.
If you have any unique challenges that you may need help to address, please reach out.
This current crisis will pass. Until we reach that end, I encourage everyone to wash their hands, sanitize your immediate surroundings, and heed the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For now, practice physical distancing – but don’t forget your neighbors, family and friends. Reach out using technology and check in on one another. Maybe even use this as a chance to refresh an old relationship.
Just know the community will continue to practice caring for each other.
I look forward to seeing you soon at our next community gathering!
I’d love to hear from you and how you’re helping each other. Email me at jerry.andree@cranberrytownship.org.